Ferroskutterudite is an iron-rich member of the skutterudite group, characterized by its metallic silver-white color and cubic habit. Collectors typically find this rare arsenide mineral in cobalt-silver hydrothermal vein deposits alongside other arsenic-bearing minerals.
Is this ferroskutterudite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch ferroskutterudite with a known reference. Ferroskutterudite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferroskutterudite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferroskutterudite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tin-white, silver-white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: cubic to octahedral crystals, often massive or granular.
Often confused with
Ferroskutterudite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferroskutterudite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferroskutterudite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe,Co,Ni)As₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 6.7-6.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Cubic to Octahedral Crystals, Often Massive or Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {111}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find ferroskutterudite
Classic worldwide localities
- Skutterud, Norway
- Cobalt, Ontario, Canada
- Bou Azzer, Morocco
- Schneeberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where ferroskutterudite typically forms. If you start seeing cobaltite, nickeline, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a cubic to octahedral crystals, often massive or granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferroskutterudite?+
Where is ferroskutterudite found?+
How much is ferroskutterudite worth?+
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Find ferroskutterudite on the map
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